Impact of Quality Improvement (QI) Initiatives on Neonatal Mortality in NICU: A Retrospective Analysis in Tertiary Care Centre in Western India

Abstract

Introduction: The global “under-five mortality” has dropped 60% from 93 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 37 in 2020 in the last three decades. It is vital to adopt proven quality improvement initiatives to provide quality care to improve neonatal mortality and morbidity. Aim of the study was to assess the impact of the quality improvement interventions and strategies in reducing the neonatal mortality statistics. Methods: The study was conducted in a 500 bedded Government Hospital in India. The management implemented various tactics, such as enhancing the existing infrastructure, upgrading equipment, augmenting the workforce, and implementing established clinical protocols, to enhance the quality of intensive care services provided in the NICU. The QI points were identified based on the shortcomings that were identified and shortlisted based on the working of NICU pre QI implementation. The outcome was measured as neonatal mortality indicators and the data was compared between pre and post implementation period. Results: After implementing quality improvement measures, there were notable enhancements in the total floor area, availability of skilled personnel, and equipment. The number of total admissions to the NICU increased by 79%, and mortality reduced from 20.93% to 7.82%. There was a statistically significant decrease in disease-specific neonatal mortality rates, with a p-value of less than 0.001. Conclusions: This study concludes that implementation of proper and comprehensive QI interventions and strategies in NICUs can help in decreasing the neonatal mortality.